The Met Office has issued a rare Red Extreme Heat Warning for parts of England and Wales, effective from 9 am on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, until 9 pm on Thursday, June 25, 2026. An Amber warning for extreme heat is also in place for a wider area until Thursday, signalling widespread significant impacts.
Temperatures are widely expected to exceed 30°C across the UK, with the hottest areas, particularly London and the South East, potentially peaking around 38-40°C within the Red warning zone. This could break the June record of 35.6°C set in 1976. Overnight temperatures are also forecast to be very high, with widespread 'Tropical Nights' – not dropping below 20°C – across southern England, especially in urban areas.
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster, Mark Sidaway, stated on June 22, 2026: "Red warnings are reserved for the most severe events and we're expecting severe and significant impacts from this heatwave, with health impacts likely for many, even beyond those who are normally more vulnerable to the heat." He added that high humidity would make conditions feel worse than during the July 2022 heatwave.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has concurrently issued a Red Heat-Health Alert, in place from 1 am on Wednesday, June 24, until 11 pm on Thursday, June 25. This alert covers regions including the West Midlands, East Midlands, South East, South West, London, and East of England, signifying that "the hot weather is likely to have significant impacts across health and social care services, with risks extending beyond those most vulnerable to heat."
Amidst the extreme heat, water safety remains a critical concern. West Midlands Ambulance Service has responded to over 50 drowning incidents since May 1, 2026, with three tragically fatal. This highlights the dangers of entering open water to cool down without proper precautions or in unsupervised areas.
Adding to the complex weather picture, a Yellow weather warning for thunderstorms was issued on June 22, 2026, for parts of East of England, London and South East England, and South West England. This predicts frequent lightning, gusty winds, torrential rain (20-25 mm in a short period), and hail, with potential for brief flooding and power cuts.
What to do immediately
Take these steps to protect yourself and others during this period of extreme weather:
- **Stay Hydrated:** Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excessive alcohol.
- **Seek Cool Spaces:** Stay indoors during the hottest parts of the day, typically between 11 am and 4 pm.
- **Check on Vulnerable People:** Ensure elderly relatives, young children, and those with pre-existing health conditions are coping with the heat.
- **Exercise Caution in Water:** Do not enter open water to cool down unless it is a supervised, safe area. Be aware of cold water shock and hidden hazards.
- **Plan Travel:** Check for rail disruptions and consider avoiding non-essential journeys, as advised by railway operators.
- **Prepare for Storms:** Be aware of potential thunderstorms, heavy rain, and localised surface water flooding, especially in areas under Yellow warnings.
The longer view
While this heatwave presents immediate challenges, it also reflects a broader trend. Met Office projections indicate that heatwaves like that of summer 2018 are now 30 times more likely to happen due to climate change. By 2050, similar heatwaves are expected to occur every other year. The UK is also becoming wetter, with climate projections suggesting that while winters will be wetter, summer rainfall is likely to be more intense, increasing surface water flooding risks, particularly in urban areas.
What this means for you
This period of extreme weather will disrupt daily life, affecting travel, health, and outdoor activities across the warned regions. It is crucial to follow official guidance to mitigate risks to health and safety.
What happens next
The Red and Amber heat warnings are set to expire on Thursday evening, June 25, 2026, but the Met Office will continue to monitor conditions for any further alerts. The UK Health Security Agency advises continued vigilance regarding heat-related health risks beyond the immediate warning period.
Sources
- Met Office — Red Extreme Heat Warning (June 24, 2026)
- Met Office �� Amber Extreme Heat Warning (June 24, 2026)
- Met Office — Yellow Weather Warning for Thunderstorms (June 22, 2026)
- Met Office — Deputy Chief Forecaster, Mark Sidaway statement (June 22, 2026)
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) — Red Heat-Health Alert (June 23, 2026)
- Welsh Government — Written Statement (June 23, 2026)
- West Midlands Ambulance Service — Drowning incident data (since May 1, 2026)
- Environment Agency — Flood risk data (Last winter 2024-2025)